Hariharan Balagopal's Book 'The Gateway': A Social Revelation on Security of Senior Citizens

NEW DELHI, MUMBAI and BANGALORE, Jan. 20: 'The Gateway' by Hariharan Balagopal deals with the problems of senior citizens who are vulnerable to  numerous crimes against them - varying from petty robberies to murders. Within the bracket are numerous other crimes committed against the elderly, frequently overlooked and unreported, like ill-treatment, rape, intentional neglect, and physical assault by own kin. Bonding over food and drinks is one of Delhi's vital traits, and 'The Gateway' employs it efficiently for a cause. 

The thrilling novel also emphasizes on the significance of avoiding self-isolation by senior citizens. "The more they isolate themselves, the more they need us," says a quote in the book, and the context quotes the depression that old people frequently encounter because loneliness. Those indulging in crime, resulting in demise due to ill treatment over a tenure of time, frequently go scot free in the absence of social contact of the senior citizens, and the book draws attention to this vital point.

The book deals with further into the absence of safety faced by senior citizens. If one observes any strange movement outside a senior citizen's house, or no movement inside, one should call for an investigation immediately. This stated meaning does not sound out of place in a city like Delhi. 'The Gateway' further documents the awakening of a gated urban community to its duty after three of their senior citizens were cruelly murdered. Material wealth, successful children who live abroad, loneliness, the curse of the well-to-do urban senior citizen are poignantly delineated. The novel is unhurried in noting people, places, relationships and social dynamics and moves towards awakening, strengthening bonds and deep and abiding joys. The characters are nicely sketched as are their lives and relationships. The author notes the finest details of social interactions, but does not offer any messages and leaves it to the reader to process what they want to make of it through the glass of their own experiences. The whodunit angle also reaches its logical conclusion and offers a gratifying poetic justice making it a must read for the young to take on the responsibility of betterment society and form an undisputed social order. The film adaptation, in collaboration  with Arun Govil who has backed the book will reveal several other stages in the novel, and will develop on several of the leading characters.

'The energy of the younger generation combined with the experience of senior citizens can move mountains,' this thought forms an essential spoke of the storyline. The storyline of the book reveals how some like-minded residents in a posh colony fight crimes against senior citizens by coming together and bonding over regular meetings, and create means and ways to work for the well-being of the elderly in the colony.

Many obvious points of safety and security both indoors and outdoors, that one often not given importance, are excellently portrayed in the novel, and stress on sensitive approach to the requirements of the elderly underlines the sentiment of the book.

About Hariharan Balagopal

An expert in Media Management and Education, Hariharan has been a consultant with many educational endeavour and is connected with several famous brands. With in excess of 25 years of hands-on experience in both areas of work, Hariharan Balagopal has assisted in establishing a number of famous brands with tactical and media solutions, and has also been revealing the way on commencing, establishing and managing educational efforts.

By ANJISHNU BISWAS